When you are planning a trip to North India or Rajasthan, seeing elephants and spending time with them is one of the major things that comes to mind. This experience is only possible in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City of India. Elephants are an important part of India's history and culture. These magnificent animals are not only an important part of the past but also an important part of the present.
Nowadays, you can find elephant sanctuaries in Jaipur that offer ethical activities with elephants for your enjoyment such as elephant feeding, elephant bathing, elephant painting and much more. One of the recreational elephant activities in Jaipur and guests' recognition is elephant painting. In which you paint the elephant's trunk, forehead and belly with natural herbal paste prepared with herbal colors such as henna leaves and turmeric.
Another painting material is Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth or Bentonite Clay) paste. Painting an elephant using all herbal natural powder prepared from dried vegetables and crushed fruit peels is another level of enjoyment. Elephants enjoy this activity just like humans feel good after a little makeup and touch up but mostly in summers. We are going to give a complete description of the activity which is quite famous in Jaipur Elephant Sanctuary.
Elephants Painting Activity in Jaipur
Many people claim that this activity is unethical and harmful to the skin and overall health of elephants and where the elephant owners say it is completely ethical. To know the real facts behind this story, let’s take a deep look at the process of painting and other aspects related to elephants and activities with elephants in Jaipur directly from the team of Ele Jungle who owns 30 elephants in Jaipur and is engaged in raising and taking care of these elephants since the last three generations.
Application Of Colors
After careful selection and sourcing of colors, before application, the colors are mixed using water and sugar. Sugar makes it stick to the skin and if herbal color chalks are available they need not be mixed with water or any kind of agent. Because their color sticks on its own on the skin of elephants.
Whenever painting the elephant activity is taken up it is always carried out in the presence of the elephant caretaker. Since the mahout or caretaker knows and understands his elephant better and the observation indicates any kind of disinterest of the elephant in the activity, it is humbly requested that the guests not proceed ahead.
For the application of colors, a soft wooden brush is used that is dipped in color mixture. The skin areas around the eyes and mouth and trunk are always avoided for coloring. Painting on the forehead and stomach of elephants is something that is highly enjoyed by children at the farm.
Time Duration To Wash Off The Colors
As soon as the elephant is taken for wash or pool activity the color gets washed off on its own. However, a painted elephant is not taken in the pool for hygiene purposes as it is shared by the guests of the farm along with the elephants. As soon as the guest leaves and time permits, the elephant is taken for a wash and all colors get rinsed off.
Ele Jungle is a core supporter of treating elephants with respect and care. We strongly oppose any kind of abuse or profit-making activity from elephants, we are against harming elephants or any other animal.
FAQ’s
Where does the elephant painting activity take place in Jaipur?
The elephant painting activity is primarily offered at EleJungle, an ethical elephant village and sanctuary located near Jaipur, where elephants are rescued and cared for in a safe environment.
What is the elephant painting activity in Jaipur?
The elephant painting activity allows visitors to watch elephants painting on canvas using brushes, carefully guided by their trainers. This unique experience offers the opportunity to see elephants express their creativity while participating in a special art.
Is the elephant painting activity safe for the elephants?
Yes, this activity is designed keeping the elephants' well-being in mind. They are trained gently and given breaks to ensure they don't get stressed or overworked. The focus is on making the experience enjoyable and comfortable for the animals.
How long does the elephant painting activity last?
The painting activity usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the mood of the elephant and the complexity of the artwork. It is often part of a larger tour that includes other activities such as feeding, walking and bathing the elephants.
Is the elephant painting activity included in the tour package?
Yes, elephant painting activity is usually included in tour packages to elephant sanctuaries like EleJungle. Tourists can enjoy this activity as part of a full-day experience, which may also include elephant feeding, bathing, and walking. This unique art activity is not only an engaging way to experience elephants in Jaipur, but also helps promote their welfare and conservation efforts.
